Chapter 3:
It was Christmas morning, and Draco awoke to the pile of presents at the foot of his bed.
He started sorting his presents into two stacks-the one for family members and friends, the others for business partners who didn't care how his Christmas was, and was sorry to find that the former was very small.
They consisted of presents from his mother, Pansy, Molly and Arthur, and some distant faraway cousin.
He frowned. Chucking the presents from the other pile away, he first unwrapped the one from (he squinted at the miniscule handwriting) Calliope Declourie Ven Dorsen (his cousin). A branded watch. He put it on.
He winced and threw away the silver chain Pansy had given him, which had the letters "Bethrothed" embossed in gold. He made a mental note to tell Pansy that he had thrown the chain away.
Draco opened the elegantly wrapped present from his mother. Ah. A powerful charm, in the shape of an emerald dragon. He attached it to his silver chain that he always wore on his neck.
Suddenly, a very posh voice sounded in his head. The name's Nirvanea
Draco grabbed his charm and shook it, hard. DRACO! YOU JERK! STOP IT! came the shriek from inside his head. He winced. Sorry, he thought.
Nirvanea seemed to smile, now talking normally. You must be experienced with powerful magical items. You did not talk aloud to me, nor did you freak out. Draco smirked. Yes, I imagine so. Much better than others. And much richer, too.
You are very arrogant.
Ah. Jumping to conclusions now, are we?
Draco, Draco. Seems now that you don't really know that much about me and my kind.
Oh, and why so?
Because… here she paused for effect, we charms can read our owner's mind and know everything about him or her in a few seconds.
Oh really now? Draco thought defensively.
She gave a laugh. Oh, yes. I know that you think Ginny's pretty, for one. She said slyly.
For the first time in years, Draco shrieked. Yes, he shrieked. Nirvanea giggled, and then her tone turned serious. Draco, you really ought to apologise. It was very rude of you. She said significantly. It isn't wise to insult that fiery one. She has a temper, I must say.
Draco frowned. No, Nirvanea. I can't do that. And I won't.
Oh, you won't, will ya? I expect you know that we, as we call it, gems, can not only talk to their owner, but to whoever who touches us. You wouldn't want all your secrets spilled, would you?
Draco smirked. Then I won't take you off.
Nirvanea seemed amused. Draco. Please. We gems have a soul of our own. And a free will. I do not have to listen to you, you know.
Draco swore, wondering why his charm had to be such a rebel, and not the genies that obeyed their masters without questioning.
Nirvanea laughed at this. Draco had almost forgotten that she could hear whatever thoughts he had. Stick with it, Draco. Just your luck.
He sighed. It was going to be a long, long, day.